Has anyone used the new(?) Tufo tubular clinchers? I saw them in the WCP catalog and was intrigued. They are expensive at $80 a pop. I have never really had any probs with flats, but I am wondering if the high TPI (440) and the ability to remain on the rim when flat provide any real benfit. Any experiences?

Thanks!

Heavy, very heavy.......nm

MR_GRUMPYApr 21, 2003 8:21 AM

worst of both

DougSloanApr 21, 2003 8:22 AM

Used them. They have the worst traits of both tubulars and clichers. They are very heavy. They are hard to install. While the sealant may work sometimes, it doesn't always (stranded me), so you need to carry a full spare, just like a regular tubular. More weight, and you only have one. You cannot repair them.

Unless you just have to have a very high pressure clincher, forget them. Over all, I think you are much better off with a tire like the Conti Gatorskin for training and real tubulars for racing.

worst of both

russw19Apr 21, 2003 8:32 AM

I have never personally used them, but a couple guys I work with have and they both said pretty much what Doug just said word for word.

I can't see the allure.. if you want a tubular, get a tubular and be done with it. If you want the ease of changing flats of a clincher, why give that up to use these?

It's an interesting idea though, and who knows, in the future they may have a better product to offer, but I think as is, stay away and get a really nice clincher with latex tubes to race on. At the price of these things, you can ride a Conti Supersonic with Conti Race tubes, they will be lighter and have a lower rolling resistance and won't cost anymore... better choice.

Russ

I've had 'em on a 650C specialty rig for a couple of years...

AkirashoApr 21, 2003 8:49 AM

... it's the only 650C wheelset I own... and I needed a (I think) a high pressure clincher to compliment a tubular rear disc (wheels were 650C clincher 404s)... so Tufo it was.

I've had no complaints about them... but then again... they see perhaps 200 miles a season total. They still required pre mount stretching... and while not too terrible to mount, the bead is delicate... and you have to work slow and easy (no levers or such).

I don't remember what I paid for them, but it was far less than $80 USD per... I think I got them from Schwabs (don't think they still carry Tufo)...